Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, NY (2024 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
- 25-Year Savings: $5,947
- Payback Period: 19.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Norfolk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norfolk it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $12,141 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Norfolk homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Norfolk can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Norfolk for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,232 |
| 3 years | $-9,415 |
| 5 years | $-7,598 |
| 7 years | $-5,781 |
| 9 years | $-3,964 |
| 11 years | $-2,147 |
| 13 years | $-329 |
| 15 years | $1,488 |
| 17 years | $3,305 |
| 19 years | $5,122 |
| 21 years | $6,939 |
| 23 years | $8,756 |
| 25 years | $10,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
The cost of installing a solar system in Norfolk can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Norfolk, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Norfolk average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Norfolk, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,956 | 20.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,683 | 19.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,615 | 19.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,751 | 18.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,091 | 18.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,636 | 18.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,386 | 17.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,339 | 17.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Norfolk, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norfolk?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Norfolk?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Norfolk is currently $119,224, which means you could be looking at a value of about $4,888 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Norfolk is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.